GIRLS HOOPS
From the start on Friday against Houston County, the Lady Greyhounds showed that they were the better team. Proof of that was shown all over the court, as Jones County, sixth in the most recent GHSA Class AAAAA rankings, won its second game of the season, winning 76-27 with all but two players scoring at least a point in the victory.
Jones County held Houston County to just six first-quarter points and below single digits until late in the first half. The Lady Greyhounds had no such offensive problems, leading 37-13 at the halftime break.
Amaris Ridgeway converted a layup and free throw less than three minutes into the game, putting Jones County up 9-0. JCHS also made an early statement from the perimeter, too, as Carlie Skinner’s threepointer at the buzzer moved the Lady Greyhounds ahead 22-6.
“We didn’t shoot the ball well and actually put points on the board. I was pretty impressed with that,” Lady Greyhounds head coach ChoRhonda Gwaltney-Harris said. “We had about 15 assists, and we shared the ball more and played good defense.” With the big halftime lead, the Lady Greyhounds were able to work younger players into the game. Despite that, Shakiya Betha had 18 points, having one of four three pointers along with Skinner and two from Mya Anderson. Ridgeway also finished in double figures with 11 points, and Britley Johnson scored eight.
“Houston County, they’re young and lost a lot, but we came in here focused on us and got some things right,” Gwaltney-Harris said. “They’re buying in, realizing that if we play as a team, we’ll be a lot better.”
The Lady Greyhounds lost 44-41 on Saturday to Central-Macon, ranked third in GHSA Class AA. Ridgeway had six points with Shania Bryant and Mya Epps adding six.
The Lady Greyhounds open region play Nov. 29 against Union Grove.
